Karnataka Chief Minister Announces Opening Ceremony for Mysore Dasara by Gavimath Saint

Bengaluru, September 24 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Thursday that Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji from the Gavimath in Koppal will inaugurate this year’s renowned Mysore Dasara festival. This announcement was made during a discussion in the assembly regarding the ongoing drought situation in the state.

Shivakumar extended an invitation to all members of both the assembly and the legislative council to attend the event. “This year, the Nada Habba Mysore Dasara will be inaugurated by the revered Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji from Koppal Gavimath,” he stated. The Chief Minister confirmed that he has already sent an invitation to the saint and spoke with him on the phone that morning. Mahaswamiji has accepted the invitation.

He urged lawmakers to participate in the upcoming festival, stating, “The Nada Habba Dasara will take place next month. I invite all of you to join this year’s inauguration ceremony. Everyone should attend.” Earlier in the day, while attending a farmers’ honor ceremony in Chitradurga, Shivakumar emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing farmers’ issues and improving irrigation facilities in drought-affected areas.

He referenced the Bhadrappa Upper Bank Project, which aims to channel water from the Bhadravati River to Chitradurga, describing it as the realization of a 60-year-old dream. The Chief Minister assured that water would reach all drought-stricken areas before 2028.

Shivakumar highlighted the government’s initiatives for farmers, including five guarantee schemes that offer support to small farmers, assistance for agricultural activities, and measures to enhance their livelihoods. He also mentioned the government’s efforts to protect Karnataka’s share of water from various rivers, including Krishna, Cauvery, Tungabhadra, and Mahadayi.

In Sirigere, he attended the 35th death anniversary of Sri Shivakumar Shivacharya Mahaswamiji from the Taralabalu Jagadguru Math, commending the institution for promoting education, social service, equality, and human values. Referring to the Kasturirangan report, Shivakumar noted that a three-day special session of the assembly was convened to discuss its impact on farmers and residents in the Western Ghats and Malnad regions.

He mentioned that a multi-party delegation would approach the central government to advocate for the interests of farmers living around forests for generations. On irrigation issues, he stated that Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have agreed on water conservation in the Tungabhadra basin and that discussions are ongoing about creating a parallel reservoir to prevent the loss of approximately 30 TMC of water due to sedimentation.

The day’s significant announcement was the selection of Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Mahaswamiji to inaugurate the Mysore Dasara. Shivakumar personally invited all members of both houses to participate in the festival, reiterating that Mahaswamiji has accepted the invitation to inaugurate Mysore Dasara.